If we are to enjoy, protect and benefit from the earth and all that it creates, then it is necessary to engage children…the younger the better to teach them the joy of gardening, the sacredness of the earth and all that it offers. For they will grow just as plants do and they will become caretakers of earth, for we are all part of something so much greater then our own individuality.

There is nothing more satisfying then growing your own flowers, trees, plants, fruits and vegetables with a child and experience their joy, enthusiasm and wonder…so incredibly precious through the eyes of a child. Gardening is magical, we have only to experience children in the garden with us to see and feel the magic of being part of the ecosystem of the earth. These two little girls are my beautiful granddaughters. They are almost 2 & 4 and are the perfect age to garden. My oldest granddaughter has been gardening with mommy since she could walk so she is well versed with watering…it is her favourite activity besides making mud pies for daddy!

It is important to be safe in the garden. So we purchased childrens’ garden gloves at the local store. We put on our gum boots and we only have organic soils to use. Which is important since my youngest granddaughter, Ashlyn decided she needed to taste the soil to see if it passed inspection. And of course safety also means never leaving them unattended or unsupervised.

Gardening with them was an incredibly satisfying and fun adventure, watching them laugh and learn about all living things.

Each of the girls helped to plant a cedar tree in a pot to put on daddy’s deck. Ryla who is almost four ask if the tree would grow today. I explained to her that it grows like she does from the food and water we feed it and the sunshine it receives…slowly but surely getting bigger and bigger…just like her.

Then we watered the strawberries making a liquid organic fertilizer from the organic soil and water and added it to the strawberries which have not woken up for the season.